Experiencing God's Presence #68

Experiencing God's Presence #68

Love the LORD, all you godly ones!

Psalm 31:23

My son could tell something heavy was on my heart, so he asked what was wrong and listened to my response like he cared. Because he did. And I found my heart drawn to him in that moment in an unusual way.

Sons and daughters aren’t used to being in that position with their fathers, but there comes a time in the maturing process when a child realizes that parents have feelings, concerns, and dreams—that they aren’t just counselors or dictators or managers of the household. And how a child responds to that awareness has a lot to do with how the relationship develops. Children who have a genuine concern for the heart of a parent find the relationship deepening dramatically.

Our highest purpose is to “love the Lord.” Scripture identifies that as the greatest commandment. And that love has reached a new level of maturity when we learn to care for the heart of the Father. What are His goals and dreams for His world? What is His mission? What grieves Him? What gives Him joy? When we notice these things and then open up conversations with Him not just about our needs but about His heart, the relationship deepens. Intensely.

God is drawn to those who care for Him—who treat the relationship as a two-way interaction and invest in it as such. His Presence comes to those people in unusual ways. He lets them in on His secrets (see Amos 3:7, NKJV). When we mature to the level of seeking His heart because we genuinely care for what’s in it, He draws close.

Lord, I love You. I want to know what’s on Your heart. I want to hear Your plans, dream Your dreams with You, and enter into Your vision. Please show me the things that concern You and that give You joy.